Main navigation

Main navigation

10 Things I’m Grateful for this Year

Posted on November 27, 2013.

Thanksgiving is a great holiday. The focus is on food and gratitude. What’s not to like? As we head into the holiday tomorrow, why not really take some time to think about what you’re thankful for and make a list. Sometimes putting it in writing can become a constant reminder. So here’s my list:

1. Good Health. Unless you’ve been really sick or been a caregiver for someone who is, you can’t appreciate why this is #1. Without it, it’s impossible to think about anything else. Without it, the rest of this list is meaningless.

2. Friends & Family. I know, it’s a bit overused, but maybe that’s because it hits home. You need family to love you no matter what and you need friends to tell you when you’re being a b$#tch.

3. Giving Back. I’m grateful that I’m in a position to donate both time and money. Nothing I do for myself has as much meaning or brings me more joy than knowing that I may have made a difference in even one person’s life.

I did say "things" I'm grateful for. The following are subject to change in any given year:

4. Apple. The first thing I did when I left corporate America was trade in the blackberry for an iphone. Once I was hooked, I added an arsenal of Apple products and never looked back. Clearly, given the current financial outlook for Blackberry, I know I’m not alone. Didn’t the ipod change the face of music forever?

5. Apps. How did I ever manage to read a menu in a dark restaurant before I downloaded my flashlight app? There’re apps for everything now and anything that makes our complicated lives easier and more accessible, I’m all for it.

6. Dropbox. When you use so many different devices, it’s just so nice to have everything in the “cloud”. And 200 million people can’t all be wrong. No matter what service you use, stop saving everything on your hard drive. That way when it crashes you won’t be brought to tears.

7. Social Media. You have to admit that reconnecting with people through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media sites isn’t a bad thing. Before this type of media was unleashed, people were getting way too busy to connect with anyone. Becoming so isolated and insular is not healthy. Like anything, moderation is the key.

8. Kindle. Or any other e-readerI know some people who are fighting this trend but I have no doubt they'll come around. I’ve already seen it with friends that swore they would go to their grave never using it and now swear it’s the best thing since sliced bread. E-Readers are especially useful for the frequent traveler. I just don’t get why you want to cart a carry-on bag full of books.

9. The DVR. What did we do before this amazing invention? I accept that I clearly watch too much TV and this device has only enable more of this behavior but I’m truly grateful that I can watch both the Good Wife and the Walking Dead.

10. Netflix. Even before great original series like “Orange is the New Black” or "House of Cards", Netflix changed the way we watch shows and movies. Viewing can now be on our time and binge watching isn’t just for shut-ins anymore.

Finally, I’m very grateful for you, the people that take the time to read my blog. I really enjoy writing it and it feels good to know that every now and then, someone may enjoy reading it.